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In Pictures: Taliban school attack

Mostly children among the 130 dead at Peshawar school after Pakistan Taliban attack. Last updated: 16 Dec 2014 15:39

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At least 130 people, including 80 children, died in a horrific attack by Pakistani Taliban fighters (TTP) on a military-run school in Peshawar in Pakistan's northwest. Gunmen, dressed in paramilitary uniform and suicide vests, entered the school and began shooting at the students. Survivors described in detail the mayhem that broke out at the school as the gunmen went from class to class searching for victims. The Pakistan Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesperson for the group said it was was in retaliation for an ongoing Pakistan Army operation against the TTP and its allies in the North Waziristan tribal area, Khorasani said.

View As Slideshow >> /Khuram Parvez/Reuters The attack started early on Tuesday morning in Peshawar. /A MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images Gunfire and explosions could be heard from the school compound, prompting residents to evacuate the area. /A MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images A huge contingent of Pakistani troops were sent to conduct a rescue operation at the school. /EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB The compound became a site of fierce fighting as Pakistani soldiers tried to evacuate others from the area. /EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB An unknown number of students were rescued by security forces and taken away by their families. /EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB There were reportedly 500 people, including children at the school when the attack began. /EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB The school itself was a soft target for the Pakistan Taliban, even though it is located in a high-security zone of central Peshawar. /Khuram Parvez/Reuters Ambulance and emergency services worked over time to try and save the lives of children suffering gunshot wounds. /A MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images In total, 130 people were killed, including 80 children, in an attack that has shocked Pakistan and the world. /Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The number of those injured is still yet unknown and reports suggest the death toll is likely to rise after the clean-up operation. /Khuram Parvez/Reuters Most commentators say Pakistani authorities were taken by surprise with this attack